What Amp To Go With My Guitar?

[CrushedICE]

I recently purchased an ESP EC-1000 and i am wondering what would be a good affordable amp to go with it.

Although i dont believe i need one i would like to purchase a half-stack (no not just cause they look cool. ...k maybe cause they look cool) for the most part it would be for playing by myself but i do also have a group of friends i jam with, Drummer, Bassist, Guitarist and want an amp that would be also practical if i joined a band. for now i just use other peoples equipment cause mine wont cut it.

http://www.wwbw.com/Crate-FW120HS-Half-Stack-Guitar-Amp-i755941.music

The link above is one of the amps i was looking at but i have heard some good and bad things about crate and dont know what to trust. The price for that amp is about right for me, im just wondering if the sound is as well. does anybody have any better suggestions?

[NevermoreMan90]

I wouldn't go with Crate. Try a Randall, those are all pretty great, and they usually sell cheaper. They have tons of half stacks to choose from, as well as combos. The Peavey Valveking is also pretty good from what i've heard, and always keep a lookout for great deals on ebay! EC 1000's are awesome.

[Mandatory Suicide]

like nevermore said, u could do better than crate

here some sick shit in the 600-700 range

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Randall-RX120DHS-120W-Half-Stack-Guitar-Amp-with-4x12-Cabinet?sku=481269

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Vox-Valvetronix-AD100VTH-and-V412BK-Half-Stack?sku=481482

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-HD150-Guitar-Amp-Head-Spider-III-412-Speaker-Cabinet?sku=485062

[Bridge The Void]

Randall's sound pretty sick, but once I was at my mate's band's jam session and they had a Randall G3 150W head in there for the first time. It had the potential volume for playing in a band (only competing with bass and drums, only one guitar player in the band) but when it got to that volume, it just cut out. We figured it might be some sorta safety feature so as not to overload or overheat the head or something, but in either case they haven't used it since.

The amp they already had there was a Marshall AVT 150W head, which did actually manage to reach gig volumes. Doesn't sound too bad either, for a hybrid head.

[NevermoreMan90]

Personally, i'd go for the Line 6 spider 3 halfstack. I don't think you can get better value, and thay sound great.

[JMad81]

I have a crate 2x12 and they are not as bad as ppl say. I got a lot of good years out of it and the tone wasnt bad for a practice amp (although ive since started using a PODxt for practice instead). But i gotta go with the others and say definitely look at Randall. Ive been pretty impressed with what ive heard.

[Bridge The Void]

I have a crate 2x12 and they are not as bad as ppl say. I got a lot of good years out of it and the tone wasnt bad for a practice amp (although ive since started using a PODxt for practice instead). But i gotta go with the others and say definitely look at Randall. Ive been pretty impressed with what ive heard.

I also have a Crate 2x12 combo, and I agree. I still think it has the best tone of any other solid state amp I've tried. Shame its old and so damn heavy.

[mrclean77]

have you tried eBay? soemtimes you can find a used Line 6 HD147 going for the $5-600 range, but that is w/o the cab and shortboard (that you would be needing/wanting)

also, think about having to lug around a head/cab, do you have a pickup truck or a '77 Impala? you may want to go try out some combos that are more suitable for bedroom playing, but are still capable of bumping it up to be able to jam

good luck

[CrushedICE]

The Spider 3 heads look pretty badass for the price and im sure they would be the right fit for Heavy Metal, Hard Rock kinda thing which is what i play.

Getting the amp places wont be so much of a problem hopefully ill have a truck by the time i would want to take it anywhere.

Thanks for the comments and feedback guys its really helpfull.

[epitaph87]

Check out the Randalls...for the money they are built quite well.

[Dick Tater]

With your price range I would look into a combo amp. 98% of half-stacks you will find in that price range will be a rip off, unless you get a good deal.

Personally I would look into one of those Randall RG50TCs.

[ShreddyMcFunTits]

Randall or Line6 would be your best bet.

[MikeC]

Randall or Line6 would be your best bet.

+1
both randall and line 6 make descent low priced amps. in the end its all a matter of what you like.

[apprentice]

for that budget, I would forget those half-stacks and buy recent tube-amp with 2x12 cab or combo....with tubes of course:)second hand maybe and boost it with some pedal if it's necessary.....can't say bad things about those randall's cause never tried one but line6 gives you a LOT of noise and hardly any SOUND....better for longer period....especially with that geetar:hat

[Metalmilitia306]

If you're looking to get a crate Go for a used BV120H. those are the Only good crate heads IMO. otherwise id go for a randall.

[Rex Rocker]

Randall... but try and aim for the g3 series rather than the RX series...

[Butch]

randall rh150G3 head ftw!

[ESPVIPERCAMO]

if on a budget use a valveking

google that and ull be all set

[CrushedICE]

When i went to the local store to test out my guitar ($1100 from there...) the dude there recommended a valve king to go with it and i guess that would be ideal, im sure it would go more then loud enough when jammin with a few guys and i dont think i could go wrong with a tube amp.

i have heard that tube amps need more maintenance then combos, is this anything significant or something like replacing tubes now and then.

Thanks for the help guys its appreciated.